Time to start moving Kiruna

May 17, 2017

On Wednesday May 24, the first of a total of eight heritage buildings will be moved to its new location – the foot of Luossavaara mountain. The first building to be moved is known as Arbetarbostaden B5.

We are now beginning the relocation of a total of eight heritage buildings from the area impacted by mining to the new development site. During 2017 seven buildings will be moved to the foot of Luossavaara Mountain, overlooking the mountain massif and the mine site. In addition, the so-called Länsmansbostaden will be moved to the new urban core, east of the present urban centre.

“Relocation of the heritage buildings and decommissioning of the present urban centre are a fundamental part of the long-term urban transformation process which is now under way in Kiruna. This is a prerequisite for continued mining,” says Victoria Aidanpää, project manager at LKAB’s urban transformation department.

LKAB’s continued mining operation and growth are dependent on successive relocation, decommissioning and reconstruction of parts of central Kiruna. In consultation with municipal authorities and a large number of stakeholders, we are working to ensure that this is accomplished safely, securely and with optimism for the future. Our ambition is that development should take precedence over decommissioning.

“Transforming a town is a challenge for everyone involved, not least because of the culture, memories and emotions associated with an old place. All values cannot be measured in monetary terms, and we are therefore pleased to be able to combine the old and the new by moving several of the town’s most unique and much-loved buildings,” says Tjabba Nordanfjäll, project manager at LKAB and responsible for relocation of heritage buildings.

At the new site about 20,000 square metres is being prepared for the arrival of new tenants. The buildings to be moved include Hjalmar Lundbohmsgården, Bolagshotellet, bläckhornshusen B51, B52 and B53, as well as Arbetarbostaden B5 and Ingenjörsvillan.

“We have an exciting and eventful year ahead of us. The relocation of heritage buildings marks the start of a new chapter in Kiruna’s history, something with which many local residents have strong ties. The heritage buildings are part of Kiruna’s soul and, for many, a symbol of our town,” says Tjabba Nordanfjäll.

On Wednesday 24 May it will be time for the first building, Arbetarbostaden B5, to be moved to its new address. On Thursday 25 May it’s time for the next building to be moved, bläckhornshuset B53.

We welcome you to join us on a press tour that follows the route of this historic building.

When: 24 May at 7:30 a.m.

Where: LKAB’s Administration office, Kiirunavaaravägen 1

As we will be entering a restricted zone, safety clothing will be required.

Agenda

07:30 Press tour beginsoutside LKAB’s Administration office. The group will then travel together by bus to the site from which the building will be moved.

The tour of the site will be guided by representatives from LKAB’s urban transformation department and building relocation contractor PEAB. Opportunities to record the event in sound and images.

09:00 Relocation begins. Opportunities to record the event in sound and images at a safe distance.

09:15 The group will travel together, following the building along the route.

09:30 Transfer to the Luossavaara site. Opportunities to record the arrival of the building in sound and images as it arrives at its new location.

10:15 The tour of the Luossavaara site will be guided by representatives from LKAB’s urban transformation department and building relocation contractor PEAB. Opportunity will be given for questions and interviews. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

11:30 The group will return to LKAB’s Administration office.

We wish you a warm welcome.

LKAB is an international high-tech minerals group that mines and upgrades the unique iron ore of northern Sweden for the global steel market. Sustainability is core to our business and our ambition is to be one of the industry’s most innovative, resource-efficientand responsible companies. The group had sales of more than SEK 16 billion in 2016 and employs about 4,200 people in 13 countries. Other group business include industrial minerals, drilling systems, rail transport, rockwork services and property management.

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